PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to (1) identify symptoms that cause postoperative distress in ambulatory surgery patients; (2) identify symptom management techniques that effectively reduce distress of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) postoperative symptoms at home after ambulatory surgery; and (3) identify facilitators and barriers to self-management of postoperative symptoms. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Two focus groups of ambulatory surgery patients who had experienced a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure and their caregivers were queried to elicit understanding of postoperative symptoms and symptom management techniques...

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to identify potential obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in ambulatory surgical patients and create perianesthesia nursing protocols using a reliable and validated screening tool. DESIGN: Descriptive survey. METHODS: A nurse-initiated OSA survey was conducted in 1,118 preoperative ambulatory patients using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire to identify patients at risk for OSA. The findings resulted in the development of protocols, patient education, and interventions...

In the United States, the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the adult population is increasing. More than half of the surgical patients with OSA are predisposed to increased incidence of perioperative complications. Based on the recent evidence, obstructive events are at the highest on the third day after surgery, which predisposes them for postoperative complications. The American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses recommends that discharge education on OSA should be provided after surgery to patients diagnosed with OSA to promote continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance and self-care behaviors at home...

PURPOSE: To discover the best orientation method for perianesthesia nurses. DESIGN: Pilot study comparing two approaches to orientation. METHODS: Nurses in one group were each assigned to a single preceptor, whom they followed regardless of which of the three distinct areas-the preoperative unit, postanesthesia recovery unit, or Phase II discharge unit-the preceptor was scheduled to work. In the second group, trainees remained in one area, with various preceptors, until proficiency was achieved...

PURPOSE: Identify the perceptions of perianesthesia nurses regarding behaviors that promote or detract from sustaining a safe, efficient, and satisfying work environment. DESIGN: Two focus groups and seven individual interviews (n=14) were conducted exploring the perceptions regarding team behavior of registered nurses in one pediatric perianesthesia unit. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive data collection, inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: Nurses described a responsive, engaged health care team whose leadership is available and directive when needed, as creating an effective, satisfying work environment...

PURPOSE: To identify competence assessment instruments in perianesthesia nursing care and to describe the validity and reliability of the instruments. DESIGN: A scoping review in a systematic manner. METHODS: A search in CINAHL, MEDLINE, and ERIC was carried out to identify empirical studies from 1994 to 2015. A narrative synthesis approach was undertaken to analyze the data. FINDINGS: Nine competence assessment instruments in perianesthesia nursing care were identified...

PURPOSE: The purpose of this ASPAN study was to understand perianesthesia nurses' perception of their work environments in regards to organizational support, workload, intent to stay, and overall nurse satisfaction. DESIGN: A descriptive design was used with survey methodology. METHOD: An online survey was sent to American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses members. The Individual Workload Perception Scale-Revised was used. A total of 2,121 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses members participated (21% response rate)...

PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized blinded placebo-controlled research study was to investigate the effect of acupressure over 24 hours postoperatively for ambulatory surgical patients who are identified as high risk for PONV. DESIGN: A randomized blinded placebo-controlled study design was implemented. METHODS: Study enrollment criteria included four of five risk factors as defined in 2006 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses PONV/postdischarge nausea and vomiting guidelines: female, PONV history or motion sickness, nonsmoker, and volatile gas general anesthetic...

More patients suffering with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are presenting to perianesthesia settings for emergent and nonemergent treatment and care. A group of collaborative health care providers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago developed a multidisciplinary DMD/BMD Task Force to study this disorder and create a set of guidelines to aid those engaging in the planning, execution of care, and recovery of this unique population in the perianesthesia setting...

BACKGROUND: The use of ketorolac in children undergoing tonsillectomy remains limited because of the concern about postoperative bleeding. METHODS: A search was performed addressing the question: For patients undergoing a surgical tonsillectomy, does a weight-appropriate single dose of intravenous ketorolac affect the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage? RESULTS: Five systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. A Cochrane Review included 15 studies with 1,101 pediatric subjects and focused on perioperative bleeding requiring intervention...

Breastfeeding has been shown to be beneficial in the development of infants, but sometimes, the breastfeeding mother may require anesthesia. It is important for perianesthesia caregivers to understand how the breastfed infant may be affected by the anesthetic medications received by the breastfeeding mother. This article reviews current literature on drug transfer into breast milk and specifically how anesthetic drugs may affect breastfed infants. The pharmacokinetics of drug transfer during lactation is described as well as considerations for perianesthesia providers when caring for breastfeeding patients...

PURPOSE: The goal of this project was to design a tool to classify patients in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for acuity as defined by nursing interventions. DESIGN: An instrument development and validation approach was used. METHODS: A PACU acuity scoring grid was developed using the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) professional guidelines and Rothman Index concepts to help classify patients by acuity and determine PACU acuity class...